Posted by Becky Allen.
Student on team #16, Baxter Bomb Squad, from Mountain Home High School and Baxter Healthcare.
Posted on 3/21/2000 4:03 PM MST
Altough I will be attending the nationals this year with my team. I would like to extend my advice to any rookies: enjoy the regionals. Because of the nationals size, it can not capture the true essense of FIRST. Reginals are enclosed, forcing teams to communicate and share every battle together. The national competition does not have the same atmosphere. Teams are more spaced out and many times they are just seeking escape from the intense Florida sun. When teams are not playing at regionals, they cheer with other teams who are playing. At nationals, many teams leave to go to the parks. (Who can blame them? It’s Disney World!) So to wrap this up, remember that, yes nationals are great, but regionals hold a special place in my heart because they are geniune. Remember, that a gold medal is not everything. Yes, winning is nice. But if you are knocked out, find a favorite team and cheer them on. I know that a loss is hard to swallow. (I was there–Yipsilanti finals,we were the first place seed…our robot fell over against Beatty…) Unexpected things happen. No big deal. So make friends, cheer loudly, and enjoy the spirit of FIRST. Obviously, we are all winners. The competitions are part of what we have worked six weeks to experience and enjoy. A gold medal is nice, but the memories are what will last the life time. Here’s to many more memories!
Posted by Matt Ryan.
Student on team #69, HYPER, from Quincy Public Schools and Gillette.
Posted on 3/21/2000 4:51 PM MST
In Reply to: Regionals are great! posted by Becky Allen on 3/21/2000 4:03 PM MST:
I must agree on this issue: the regional competitions embody the spirit of FIRST. BUT, at the nationals, many teams stay at the same hotel, giving the students time to get to know each other and become friends, which is another aspect of FIRST. The regionals and nationals do embody the spirit of FIRST, but each in its own way…
-=Matt Ryan=-
Posted by Becky Allen.
Student on team #16, Baxter Bomb Squad, from Mountain Home High School and Baxter Healthcare.
Posted on 3/21/2000 5:24 PM MST
In Reply to: Re: Regionals are great! posted by Matt Ryan on 3/21/2000 4:51 PM MST:
You are correct, Matt. Maybe I should restate my point. I was not in anyway trying to take away from the greatness of the national competition. I was only encouraging teams(students) to enjoy the regional. My first year, I assumed that the regional was a practice for the nationals, which I guess perhaps it is in some ways. However, I enjoyed the FIRST aspect of the trip more at the regional. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t out in 90 degree weather, or maybe it was because I could see the game court better. I’m sure there are many reasons. I felt at the regional that I was more a part of the total experience, not just a small piece of the action. But I must agree nationals are wonderful because of the prestige and having Disney World as a back drop doesn’t hurt either. 
Either way, best of luck to everyone at all the competitions. Have fun!
~Becky
P.S Does anyone know what the weather is going to be like in Chicago? I’m from Arkansas. I hope it’s not TOO cold!
Posted by Lora Knepper.
Student on team #69, HYPER (Helping Youth Pursue Engineering & Robotics), from Quincy Public Schools and The Gillette Company.
Posted on 3/21/2000 7:05 PM MST
In Reply to: Re: Regionals are great! posted by Becky Allen on 3/21/2000 5:24 PM MST:
Becky,
You state my views perfectly. Though I see where my teammate, Matt, is coming from, I also have found the regional to be a much better time. It is more of a personal atmosphere, even in the chaos that surrounds you. That was proven to me because I met one of my best friends in the CT regional last year on another team. Though I love the Nationals (gives you a high that even Dew can’t hold a candle to! ;o) ), I’m a regional girl at heart. And as far as cheering for others go, I already have a few I’ll gladly lose my voice for! See you all in either CT or sunny FL!
Lora Knepper
Driver ~ Team 69
Posted by Brett R…
Student on team #201, Viste-Feds, from Rochester High School and Visteon Automotive Systems.
Posted on 3/22/2000 9:49 AM MST
In Reply to: Re: Regionals are great! posted by Becky Allen on 3/21/2000 5:24 PM MST:
I bet this is the least of your worries. (well the rain worries me.)
TODAY Mostly cloudy hi 55°F/lo 41°F
THU Partly cloudy hi 57°F/lo 47°F
FRI Scattered Showers hi 64°F/lo 46°F
SAT Showers hi 63°F/lo 45°F
SUN Scattered Showers hi 60°F/lo 40°F
See ya in Chicago.